Certified documents

*Please note Paper-Based EWRB applications will take longer to process than applications submitted through your EW Portal Account.

EW Portal Account(external link)

What is a Certified document?

A Certified document is a copy of an original document that has been confirmed with a formal statement as true and authentic by an approved person.

The certified document must include the details of the approved person who certified it, including their name, their role and location. The approved person must sign and date the document being certified.

Identity document

A valid and current identity document must be certified for EWRB applications. The EWRB only accepts the following identity documents:

  • New Zealand Driver Licence – must include both the front and back of your Licence
  • Passport Biographic page – page with your photo and personal details
  • If you do not have a passport or NZ driver licence, you can provide a certified alternative proof of identity with a completed Statutory Declaration Form. Alternative proof of identity is listed on the Statutory Declaration form.
    Statutory Declaration form [PDF, 81 KB]
    • Acceptable alternative identity documents include:
      • 18+ Card
      • New Zealand Firearms or Dealer’s licence
      • New Zealand birth certificate and photo (see below for requirements)

Additional documents that require certification include:

  • Marriage Certificate (Change of Name) (if applicable)
  • Name Change Certificate (if applicable)
  • Plumber/Gasfitters ID card (front and back) – for Associated Electrical Licence Registrations
  • Qualifications/Certificates

EWRB only accepts certified documents by an approved person from one of the following:

In New Zealand:

What if I am not in New Zealand?

If you are outside of New Zealand, documents can be certified by:

  • New Zealand Embassy, High Commission, or Consulate staff – you can find a New Zealand Embassy overseas or Foreign Representatives to New Zealand here:
    Embassies(external link) – New Zealand Foreign Affairs and Trade
  • Notary Public
  • Apostilles
  • Commissioner of Oaths

Statutory Declaration – TTMRA Only

A Statutory Declaration is required for applicants applying under the Recognition of Australian Licence category – Trans Tasman Mutual Recognition Act 1997 (TTMRA).

Statutory Declaration is an affirmation of an oral statement declaring that the written contents are true and signed in front of an authorised person. A Statutory Declaration is a legally binding document that can be used for legal proceedings under:

The Statutory Declarations Act 1959(external link) applies when the declaration is made in Australia.

The Oaths and Declarations Act 1957(external link) applies when the declaration is made in New Zealand.

For applicants who are Registering with an Australian licence under TTMRA, you will need to submit the following certified documents:

  • Certified copy of the biographic page of your passport
  • Certified copy of your current Australian Electrical Licence, both front and back
  • Complete the Statutory Declaration section 19 form and sign in front of the same authorised person who has certified copies of your Australian licence and proof of ID.
    Statutory Declaration section 19 form [PDF, 226 KB]
  • Evidence of completion of a NZ Competence Programme

Who is an authorised person in Australia?

If you are in Australia, can complete a Statutory Declaration and get your documents certified by:

  • A Justice of Peace in Australia
  • A solicitor with the High Court
  • A Notary Public
  • A Commissioner of Oaths
  • Or other person authorised to take Statutory Declaration in Australia

*Certified copy of NZ Driver Licence example: Certified New Zealand Driver Licence by a Justice of Peace (JP).

Example of NZ drivers licence

ID Card Photo Requirements

First time Registering for EWRB?

You must upload a passport quality ID photo for your EW ID Card. Your ID photo must meet the requirements below. Remember this photo will be printed on your ID card, you can check if your photo meets the requirements using the online photo checker:

Online photo checker(external link) – New Zealand passports

Your ID photo must be less than 6 months old and meet the requirements below. If you are uploading your ID photo, this must be in Jpg or Jpeg format.

Renewing your Licence?

You must renew your licence and pay the licence fee every 2 years after registration and issuing of your first practising licence.

You do not have to submit a new photo with a renewal application. However, if you would like to update your ID photo, the new ID photo must be less than 6 months old and meet the requirements below.

Your photo must meet the requirements below:

Checklist for ID Photo

  • 3cm x 4cm in size, full colour, empty background
  • Photo must be less than 6 months old
  • No shadows and/or dark lighting
  • No use of filters or altering the original photo
  • No sunglasses, glasses with tinted lenses OR headwear that obscures your face (unless you wear one for religious or medical reasons)
  • Include your face, head, and shoulders. Looking straight into the camera and no Photoshop
  • Plain, light coloured background ONLY
  • Between 50KB to 5MB in size

*The Board may refuse photographs which are not of adequate quality or are composed in a way that is unsuitable for use on an ID card.

How do I submit my ID photo?

  • Online at any time if you are already registered – Jpg or Jpeg format only.
    Upload your photograph now or at the time you renew your practising licence online, simply log into your EWRB Portal and upload your photograph by clicking My Profile and then Photo ID. The uploading process is quick and easy
    EWRB Portal(external link)
    OR;
  • By including a hard-copy passport photo with your registration/licensing application if posting your application.